Eat dessert first…or last…or anywhere in between. Desserts contribute to an overall sense of comfort that helps your body and mind, including mood elevation. As long as you don’t overdo the sweets and are careful to include all the veggies necessary for a balanced diet, go ahead and indulge in one or more of the treats you can find in Evanston.
FRIO GELATO
People with allergies will enjoy this establishment. Everything is handmade from all-natural ingredients. The milk is hormone free, with no nuts, glutens or artificial flavoring. The owners are from Argentina. This is reflected in their offerings like the alfajor, a traditional cookie topped with a scoop of gelato. You can taste the spices, fruits and imported wine that give these treats a distinct advantage.
INSOMNIA COOKIES
Cookies are an incredible treat. This is a shop that is open from 10 am to 3 am the following day. There are a number of combinations, like a two-pack, 10 pack, or up to a 100 pack. The choices include the very popular chocolate chip in variations of chunk, mint and M&M, as well as standard peanut butter, sugar, etc. They can even include a glass of milk to top things off. Vegan and gluten-free are also available.
KILWINS EVANSTON
It might be difficult to choose from the 32 flavors of original recipe ice cream offered at this shop. You might want to try some of their chocolate, caramel corn, or homemade caramel apples. You can watch them create their specialties and, when they reopen, take one of their tours.
PATISSERIE CORALIE
OO La La! For a taste of France, check out this coffee shop that serves baked goods made from high quality, natural ingredients. A family-owned operation, they specialize in handcrafted sweet and savory concoctions. Watch for the post-Covid reopening of their Café Coralie, with traditional French pastries and savory options, and Coralie Coffee for a breakfast or lunch with an espresso.
HARTIGAN’S ICE CREAM SHOPPE
Hartigan’s serves over 50 flavors of Cedar Crest ice cream. It is open for limited hours during the current health crisis. They take extra precautions to safeguard their customers’ health. They are available for both pick-up and delivery. You can also enjoy a light lunch of hot dogs, shakes, floats and chips on select days. A custom cake can be ordered for your special occasion.
BETH’S LITTLE BAKE SHOP
European sweets and delicacies are baked at this charming shop. Everything is baked fresh daily from locally sourced ingredients and with no preservatives. Enjoy something from their daily selections or place a special order.
DB3 DONUTS
DB3 Donuts is currently open for takeout and delivery. You can contact one of their three locations for their “basic donuts,” like the popular raised/glazed or maple cinnamon. You can also try “fancy donuts,” such as “dude goo”. They also offer gluten sensitive and “vegan” choices. It is adjacent to Ten Mile House, where, under normal circumstances, you can book a party or special event.
COLD STONE CREAMERY
This delicious ice cream shop has its own club. If you sign up electronically, you automatically get a free ice cream, as well as a free one on your birthday. There are also coupons, notices of special pricing and a chance to win prizes. Who can resist a deal?
TAG’S BAKERY
Since 1937, in the middle of the Great Depression, Tag’s Bakery has been serving Evanston handmade cakes, cookies and other pastries. The current owners have served the community since 1968. They continue the family tradition of delicious baked goods for all occasions.
BENNISON’S BAKERY
This is another family-run business that specializes in European-style pastries and related items. Using the best cream, real butter and eggs, they offer the quality that everyone expects but is difficult to find. Give them a try and see what you think.
LEONIDAS CAFE CHOCOLATERIE
It is hard to top Belgian chocolates and French pastries. However, consider a warm croissant sandwich or a savory quiche. All of these things are available at Leonidas. Stop in for lunch and take some treats home for later.
YOFRESH CAFE
Healthy eating doesn’t need to be boring. This establishment offers non-fat, gluten-free, dairy-free and no sugar added selections. Although yogurt is their specialty, you can also get made-to-order sandwiches, mac and cheese and more.
BELGIAN CHOCOLATIER PIRON
The owners of this shop learned the trade as apprentices in Antwerp. They offer you the experience and delight of chocolate. Each piece is handmade and packaged with care. You can shop for holiday specialties or order a box of assorted treats.
BLIND FAITH CAFE
Committed to a better environment, this shop is certified as “green”. Their innovative cuisine and relaxed atmosphere are available for either dine-in or take out. Although it is vegetarian it still includes desserts that you will want to have.
NOIR D’ÉBÈNE
This boutique confiserie uses all-natural ingredients and even imports its own cacao beans from around the world. They process the beans themselves using a special procedure that ensures their creaminess. They make some of the best chocolate you will ever taste.
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